FIDA Nigeria Empowers and Connects with the Vulnerable: Outreach to Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre Marks a Day of Shared Commitment and Inclusivity
In the well-known FIDA tradition of touching the lives of vulnerable populations through advocacy and sensitization outreaches, the FIDA Nigeria team led by the charismatic Country Vice President/National President Amina Suzanah Agbaje, undertook an outreach to the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre for Persons living with Disabilities in the morning of Wednesday, 22nd November 2023
The delegation which comprised of members of the National Executive Committee and other delegates for the Annual General Conference were warmly received by Major Akpan, the Administrator of the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Centre, Benin City, Edo state.
Other Civil Society Organizations were well represented at this outreach and they included the Federation of Muslim Women of Nigeria (FOMWAN) ably represented by Hajiya Usenat Esohe Audu; Conference of Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOS) represented by Comrade Batholomew Okoudo; Society for Awareness & Family Initiative (SAFI) ably represented by Mr. Obode Abraham; and Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) represented by its Chairperson Mrs. Ann Ojugo. Also present, was the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Arts, Culture & Tourism Edo state, Irgun Omorogiuwa, who was also a past Chairperson of FIDA (Nigeria) Edo State.
FIDA Nigeria in recognizing the resilience of the center, presented gifts to it which symbolized its solidarity and support with the centre. It was an afternoon of shared stories, laughter and the unspoken language of understanding.
The day concluded with a beautiful photo session, freezing in time the smiles and shared commitment to inclusivity reached over a single afternoon. In the narrative of this outreach, FIDA Nigeria did not only visit a center; they became part of a community, weaving bonds that transcended an advocacy outreach into one of collaboration towards strengthening legal safeguards for the vulnerable persons at the center.
FIDAOutreachChronicles #CommunityConnections #InclusivityJourney
Kindly access the provided hyperlink to view additional photographs
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FIDA Nigeria Post–Post-Election Statement on the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election
1.0. Introduction
The Bayelsa State Governorship Elections has been concluded as the Electoral Umpire (Independent National Electoral Commission) declared Senator Duoye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party having secured the total number of votes cast at the polls as the winner of the elections. From INEC records already in public domain, Senator Duoye Diri with 175,196 votes defeated the other fifteen contestants to emerge as the winner with Chief .Timipre Sylva from the All Progressive Congress (APC) coming up second with 110,108 votes.
It is important to note that democracy thrives when security of life and property as well as safety of the electorate, electoral officials, materials and critical infrastructures are guaranteed before, during and after elections. The outcomes of this election aligns with our preliminary statements / findings which indicated that the elections were generally peaceful with adequate security and logistical arrangements provided by the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Observations demonstrated that, while the election was an improvement from the Presidential & National Assembly Elections in terms of effective transmission of results from the polling units to the INEC result viewing portal (IREV) and improved deployment of security personnel to hotspot areas, the election was marred with vote trading and voters apathy which affected women participation at the polls.
Our observation further indicates that the election was marred with late arrival of electoral officials and materials as only 28.6% of polling units had sensitive and non-sensitive materials as at 8.30am. However, despite this challenge, FIDA Nigeria commends eligible voters and all citizens of the state that participated actively in the process for their commitment and dedication and the security agencies especially officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force for their dedication and commitment to free and fair elections.
FIDA Nigeria through her election data analytical centre situated in Abuja observed the participation of women and persons with disabilities at the Bayelsa State Governorship Election which held on Saturday 11 November 2023 through trained accredited observers deployed across the eight Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. Our Observations culminated in the dissemination of our pre-election statements on Friday 10th and preliminary statements on Saturday 11th of November 2023.
2.0 Methodology
FIDA Nigeria with support from the Canada Fund For Local Initiatives (CFLI) under the “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance project” observed the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls through 20 trained accredited stationary and roving election observers who were deployed across the 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. An election observation tool was developed and our approach in observation was both qualitative and quantitative as we leveraged on partnerships with other civil society actors in documenting election incidences promoting participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls.
3.0 Election Statistics
FIDA Nigeria through her observations provides a further updates on our findings as follows
3.1. Low Turnout of Voters:
FIDA Nigeria observed from INEC official results that 291,212 persons exercised their franchise at the polls from a total of 1,056,862 million registered voters in the state. This indicates that about 27.55% of registered voters actually participated in the polls with about 72.45% abstaining from the voting process, the lowest since 2011.the turnout is lower than 2019, 2015, and 2011 Governorship Elections where about 54.83%, 35.15%, and 78.90% of the total voting population respectively exercised their franchise accordingly. The implication of this outcome means that more female voters who constituted about 46% of female registered voters in this election did not exercise their franchise.
We believe that threats and perpetration of physical violence pre-election militated against women participation in the polls Consequently, there needs to be an improved voter’s awareness strategy by all stakeholders towards ensuring an increase in the voting population in subsequent elections.
3.2. Close of Polls
FIDA Nigeria observers reported that as at 2:30pm, 80% of polling units under our observatory had concluded voting, while counting of votes had either commenced or ended accordingly. However , elections were concluded before 2.30pm with counting of votes and results announced in polling unit 4 , ward 10, Eneware secondary school, Southern Ijaw LGA and Polling unit 10, ward 04, Agboiri primary school, Yenagoa LGA which casts credibility on the voting process.
3.3. Accessibility to Polling Units by Women With Disabilities
FIDA Nigeria observers reported that 88.2% of her polling units were accessible by women with disabilities as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were observed providing basic equipments to aid voting. However, the turnout of women with disabilities in the elections were abysmally low.
3.4.. Secrecy of the Ballot.
FIDA Nigeria observed that the ballot process was transparent and fair in 82% of polling units covered by our observers, while female voters in 41.2% of the covering polling units voted in secrecy. Our observers reasonably noted the election was free and fair in polling units except with the incidents of vote buying occurring in 52.9% of the polling units by leading political parties between the sum of N5, 000 to N30,000 respectively.
3.5. Reported Incidences of Violence Perpetrated Against Women:
FIDA Nigeria observed little incidence of patriarchal, physical confrontation and other forms of violence perpetrated against women in 23.5% polling units within our observation in focal states and across the country. Intimidation and threats to female voters and observers occurred in about 17.6% of polling units, verbal assaults and physical assaults occurred in 5.9% of observed polling units. For example in polling unit 003, Ogboloma Town Square. Ward 11, Kolokuma LGA, the phone of one of our female observer was confiscated by the representative of one of the leading parties at the polling center.
In PU No 015, Ward No:11, Southern Ijaw LGA, a female observer also reported intimidation by party agents warning her to not report anything she saw or heard at the polling unit which limited her observation.
At polling unit 10, ward 04, Agboiri primary school, Yenagoa LGA, gunshots were shot sporadically during the voting process to scare women and vulnerable groups from participating at the polls
We call on security agencies to investigate and arrest the culprits to forestall re occurrence in subsequent elections.
3.6. Security-Related Observations
We observed that only 42.9% of the polling units visited had more than 4 security personnel, 19% had 3 security personnel, 19% had 2 security personnel, and 19% had either one or no security presence at the polling units. Females were observed being mainstreamed by relevant security agencies in the polling units visited. Statistics from the field indicate that 47.6 of the polling units observed had two female security officials, while 23.8% of the polling unit had less than two female security personnel,. Furthermore, security personnel were found armed at polling units in about 4.8% of the polling units observed, however, in 95.2%, security personnel were not armed. In 94.1% of the polling units observed, women were seen to be secure and safe , with 4.8% having relative insecurity issues.
For example at polling unit 10, ward 04, Agboiri primary school, Yenagoa LGA, we witnessed the presence of four female security personnel manning the polling unit. A similar occurrence was witnessed at Polling unit 32, ward 01, Yenagoa LGA, where two security personnel were observed securing the polls. At polling unit 005, ward6, Yenagoa LGA , three security personnel were observed securing the polls. At Polling unit 3, Ward 06, Yenagoa LGA, unarmed security personnel (6 female and 2 male) were observed.
However there was no presence of security personnel at Polling unit 021, ward 11, Ogbia LGA as at 9.30am even as election had earlier commenced by 9.00am.
3.7. Priority Voting for Women from Marginalized/Vulnerable groups
FIDA Nigeria observed that women with disabilities, the elderly/Aged, pregnant women and Nursing mothers were prioritized in the voting process by INEC Adhoc Officials. Our Observers reported that in about 76.25% of the polling units, priority voting occurred and were enforced by Adhoc Officials. In polling unit 8, ward 3, Ekeremor LGA, Polling Unit 4 , ward 10, Eneware Secondary School, Southern Ijaw LGA, Polling unit 10, ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA and polling units 21, ward 11, Ogbia LGA, pregnant women , nursing mothers and the elderly were prioritized and exercised their franchise accordingly.
4.0. Recommendations/Conclusion
In view of our pre-election, preliminary and post-election observations/findings during the election, FIDA Nigeria recommends the following to deepen the democratic process in Nigeria ahead of subsequent off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo State in 2024 and the general elections in 2027:
4.1. Independent National Electoral Commission
- Establishment of the Electoral Offences Commission to facilitate in the prosecution of electoral offenders observed to have committed any form of electoral offence in contravention of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) which will serve as deterrent to other intending offenders.
- For future elections in Bayelsa state and given the below average voter turnout in the concluded Governorship Election, We urge INEC to embark on high-level dialogues with key stakeholders including traditional and religious leaders to encourage the participation of more female electorates and Citizens in general to exercise their franchise at subsequent elections.
- The voters register needs to be cleaned up by INEC to enable the nation have an accurate number of truly registered voters.
4.2. Security Agencies
- We call on the security agencies deployed for election duty to arrest and investigate all those involved in vote buying, and perpetuating violence in different parts of the state for prosecution;
- Should continually adhere to the principles of impartiality and neutrality toward securing the polls which will help in mitigating violence perpetuated especially against women in elections.
4.3. Politicians and Political Parties
i) Should maintain peace and be magnanimous in victory.
ii) They should work with all Bayelsa State citizens including those in the opposition parties to improve the governance of the state.
4.4. Media
- They should desist from the production of sensational headlines and hate speeches that contribute to increased tension before, during and after elections;
- They should verify and fact-check all information received before releasing to the public
- They should remain professional, neutral and non-partisan in the discharge of duties
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless FIDA Nigeria
Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria Preliminary Statement on the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election
1.0 Introduction
FIDA Nigeria, through her situation room situated at Candelux Imperial Hotel in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is observing the participation of women and women with disabilities across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.
2.0 Methodology
FIDA Nigeria, with support from the Canada Fund For Local Initiatives (CFLI) under the “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance project,” observed the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls through 20 trained accredited stationary and roving election observers deployed across the 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. An election observation tool was developed, and our approach in observation was both qualitative and quantitative. We leveraged partnerships with other civil society actors in documenting election incidences, promoting the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls.
The following issues were highlighted as part of our preliminary report:
2.1 Priority Voting for Women from Marginalized/Vulnerable Groups
FIDA Nigeria observed that women with disabilities, the elderly/aged, pregnant women, and nursing mothers were prioritized in the voting process by INEC Adhoc Officials. Our observers reported that in about 76.25% of the polling units, priority voting occurred and was enforced by Adhoc Officials. In polling unit 8, Ward 3, Ekeremor LGA, polling Unit 4, Ward 10, Eneware Secondary School, Southern Ijaw LGA, Polling unit 10, Ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA, and polling units 21, Ward 11, Ogbia LGA, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly were prioritized and exercised their franchise accordingly.
2.2 Existence of Separate Queues for Women
In 17.6% of the polling units visited, we observed that INEC ensured that separate queues were created for women to exercise their franchise. However, such was nonexistent in 82.4% of the polling units visited as INEC made no such provisions, and there was no form of enforcement by security agencies. In polling units 25 & 32, Ward 1, Yenagoa LGA, and Polling unit 04 Ward 10 Southern Ijaw LGA, separate queues were observed, creating an enabling platform for women to exercise their franchise.
2.3 Functionality of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System:
FIDA Nigeria observed that across most polling units within our purview, the bimodal voter’s accreditation system was largely functional, aiding accreditation and the voting process. In 82.4% of the polling units visited the BVAS Machine was highly functional. However, in 17.6% of the polling units observed, technical difficulties were experienced, limiting women’s participation. For example, at polling unit 8, Ward 3, Ekeremor LGA, BVAs were reported to have rejected some women’s fingerprints and facial recognition. However, such women were observed to have continued waiting to ascertain if they would be considered to vote eventually. From our observations at about 1.50 pm, 5 women who were unable to undergo accreditation were not allowed to vote. Similarly, in polling unit 3, Ward: 11, Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA, reported incidences of BVAs malfunctioning were recorded as they could not capture female voters.
2.4 Vote Trading:
FIDA Nigeria observed a few disturbing incidences of vote trading across 52.9% of the polling units. However, 47.1% witnessed no incidences of vote trading in the polling units. 41.2% of female party agents and politicians were found to perpetuate vote buying across polling units observed. At polling unit 3, Ward 11, Southern Ijaw LGA, women were observed to be induced by party agents towards swaying their votes for a particular party with the sum of N10,000. At Polling Unit 4, Ward 10, Eneware Secondary School, Southern Ijaw LGA, votes were traded between the sum of N10,000 – N12,000 between leading political parties and electorates. In polling unit 25, Ward 1, Yenagoa LGA, electorates were swayed with food items and money. At polling unit 15, Ward 3, Nembe LGA, and polling unit 2, Ward 10, Sagbama LGA, leading parties offered between N10,000 – N15,000 to willing electorates. Similarly, at polling unit 15, ward11, Southern Ijaw LGA, female voters were persuaded to vote for a particular party with a plate of jollof rice and N1,000 only, while other female voters were offered a bucket of rice and persuaded to vote for another party with the promise of a bank transfer after voting. At Polling Unit 25, ward1, female voters were swayed with a promise of N30,000 to vote for a particular party by party agents.
2.5 Turnout of Female Voters:
FIDA Nigeria observed the turnout of female voters who identified their names in about 88.3% of the polling units observed. For instance, more women were seen exercising their franchise at Polling Unit 15, Ward 3, Nembe LGA, Polling Unit 002, Ward 10, Sagbama LGA, and Polling 4, Ward 10, Southern Ijaw LGA, and Polling Unit 59, Ward 05, Yenagoa LGA.
2.6 Under-Aged Female Voters
In 97.1% of the polling units visited, we observed no incidence of underage voting by females, while the same percentage were able to find their names on the voters’ register. However, in PU 008, Ward 003, Ekeremor LGA, an incident of underage voting was reported as a female minor was seen casting her vote.
2.7 Security-Related Observations
We observed that only 42.9% of the polling units visited had more than 4 security personnel, 19% had 3 security personnel, 19% had 2 security personnel, and 19% had either one or no security presence at the polling units. Females were observed being mainstreamed by relevant security agencies in the polling units visited. Statistics from the field indicate that 47.6% of the polling units observed had two female security officials, while 23.8% of the polling unit had less than two female security personnel. Furthermore, security personnel were found armed at polling units in about 4.8% of the polling units observed; however, in 95.2%, security personnel were not armed. In 94.1% of the polling units observed, women were seen to be secure and safe, with 4.8% having relative insecurity issues. For example, at polling unit 10, Ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA, we witnessed the presence of four female security personnel manning the polling unit. A similar occurrence was witnessed at Polling Unit 32, Ward 01, Yenagoa LGA, where two security personnel were observed securing the polls. At
polling unit 005, ward6, Yenagoa LGA, three security personnel were observed securing the polls. At Polling unit 3, Ward 06, Yenagoa LGA, unarmed security personnel (6 female and 2 male) were observed. However, there was no presence of security personnel at Polling Unit 021, ward 11, Ogbia LGA as at 9.30 am even as the election had earlier commenced by 9.00 am.
2.8 Partiality of Electoral & Security Personnel
In 71.4% of our polling units, electoral and security personnel were observed to demonstrate some level of impartiality; however, there were some concerns about the level of partiality in about 27.6% of the polling units visited.
2.9 Intimidation of Election Observers
FIDA Nigeria recorded incidences of intimidation of her female observers at polling unit .003, Ogboloma Town Square, Ward 11 Kolokuma LGA where the phone of one of the female observers was confiscated by the representative of one of the leading parties at the polling center.
In PU No 015, Ward No:11, Southern Ijaw LGA, a female observer also reported intimidation by party agents warning her not to report anything she saw or heard at the polling unit, which limited her observation.
We call on security agencies to investigate and arrest the culprits to forestall reoccurrence in subsequent elections.
2.9.1 Close of Polls
We observed that elections were concluded before 2.30 pm with counting of votes and results announced in polling unit 4, Ward 10, Eneware Secondary School, Southern Ijaw LGA, and Polling unit 10, Ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA, which casts credibility on the voting process.
3.0 Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria will continue to observe the elections and update the media on her findings, which will be reflected through her post-election statement detailing more on the overall participation of women and women with disabilities. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless FIDA Nigeria.
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria Interim Statement on the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election
1.0 Introduction
FIDA Nigeria, through its situation room situated at Candelux Imperial Hotel in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, is observing the participation of women and women with disabilities across the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.
2.0 Methodology
FIDA Nigeria, with support from the Canada Fund For Local Initiatives (CFLI) under the “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance project,” will observe the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls through 20 trained accredited stationary and roving election observers who will be deployed across the 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. An election observation tool has been developed, and our approach in observation will be both qualitative and quantitative, leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in documenting election incidents and promoting the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls. The following issues are highlighted as part of our preliminary report:
2.1. Commencement of Polls
Reports across the polling units under our observatory indicate that election materials arrived at 28.6% of polling units before 8:30 am. However, in 71.4% of the polling units, election materials arrived later than 9:30 am. For instance, at Polling Unit 61, Ward 05 Okutukutu-Etegwe, Yenagoa LGA, voting commenced at 8:30 am. Similarly, at Polling Unit 04, Ward 10 Southern Ijaw LGA, electoral materials and officials were present at 8:00 am. However, in Polling Unit 21, Ward 11, Ogbia Local Government Area, voting commenced by 10 am.
2.2. Presence of Electoral Officials
Reports across the polling units under our observatory indicate that 81% of polling units had 3 electoral officials, 14.3% had 2 officials, and 4.8% had less than 2 electoral officials.
2.2. Mainstreaming of Female Electoral Officials
We observed that 61.9% of polling units under our observatory had above two female electoral officials, 33.3% had less than 2 female electoral officials, and 4.8% had no female electoral officials. For instance, at Polling Unit 32, Community Primary School, Ward 1, Yenagoa Local Government Area, and Polling Unit 15, Ward 11, Southern Ijaw LGA, and Polling Unit 21, Ward 11, Ogbia LGA, two female electoral officials were observed present.
2.3. Security-Related Observations
We observed that only 42.9% of the polling units visited had more than 4 security personnel, 19% had 3 security personnel, 19% had 2 security personnel, and 19% had either one or no security presence at the polling units. Females were observed being mainstreamed by relevant security agencies in the polling units visited. Statistics from the field indicate that 47.6% of polling units observed had two female security officials, while 23.8% of the polling unit had less than two female security personnel. Furthermore, security personnel were found armed at polling units in about 4.8% of the polling units observed; however, in 95.2% of the polling units, security personnel were not armed. For example, at Polling Unit 10, Ward 04, Agboiri Primary School, Yenagoa LGA, we witnessed the presence of four female security personnel manning the polling unit. A similar occurrence was witnessed at Polling Unit 32, Ward 01, Yenagoa LGA, Kaduna State, where two security personnel were observed securing the polls. At Polling Unit 005, Ward 6, Yenagoa LGA, three security personnel were observed securing the polls. At Polling Unit 3, Ward 06, Yenagoa LGA, unarmed security personnel (6 female and 2 male) were observed. However, there was no presence of security personnel at Polling Unit 021, Ward 11, Ogbia LGA as at 9:30 am.
2.4. Partiality of Electoral & Security Personnel
In 71.4% of our polling units, electoral and security personnel were observed to demonstrate some level of partiality; however, there were some concerns about the level of partiality in about 27.6% of polling units visited.
3.0. Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria will continue to observe the elections and issue her preliminary statement on the elections to detail more on the overall participation of women and persons with disability.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria Pre-Election Statement on the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election
1.0. Introduction
On Saturday, November 11, 2023, citizens of Bayelsa State will exercise their franchise at 2,244 polling units within 105 registration area centers across the state to elect a governor at the off-cycle gubernatorial elections. This election marks the fourth election conducted following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022 and the first after the 2023 general elections, with attention focused on the Independent National Electoral Commission (Electoral Management Body) performance in administering the polls.
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Nigeria) has diligently observed situational happenings and pre-election incidents ahead of the elections. We have observed a slight upsurge in the total number of registered voters, with an increase of about 12.74% from 922,182 at the last gubernatorial elections in 2019 to about 1,056,862 million presently. Out of the 1,056,862 registered voters, about 1,017,613 have collected their permanent voters cards (PVC), which is an improved position of 12.60% compared to 2019, where about 889,308 collected their permanent voters cards. This indicates that more citizens are engaging in the political process and have taken advantage of the continuous voter’s registration to ensure that their votes count at the polls.
During the 2019 Bayelsa State Governorship Elections, a total of 45 political parties fielded candidates for the Governorship elections. However, in the forthcoming elections, electorates will be given the options to choose from the 16 political parties fielding candidates at the polls. During our pre-election observation, which is clearly qualitative, we observed that only two political parties fielded women as governorship candidates, and similarly, only two women were fielded as deputy governorship candidates by their political parties. Comparatively, these figures are lower than in 2019, where three political parties had female governorship candidates. However, from the sixteen political parties, none of the fielded candidates are persons with disabilities, which has restricted political representation by women in the highest executive position in the state.
2.0. Methodology/ Approach
FIDA Nigeria, with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) under the “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance project,” will observe the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls through 20 trained accredited stationary and roving election observers who will be deployed across the 8 Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State. An election observation tool has been developed, and our approach in observation will be both qualitative and quantitative, leveraging partnerships with other civil society actors in documenting election incidences promoting the participation of women and women with disabilities at the polls. FIDA Nigeria’s citizen engagement will be made possible through the establishment of an Election Data Analytical Centre in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where our data analysts will document and analyze findings from our citizen observers through the help of civic technology.
3.0. General Observations/Expectations
i. Securing the Polls:
We expect strategic deployment of security personnel across the 2,244 polling units of the state to forestall any form of violence at the polls, which may limit the participation of women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. We applaud the deployment of 27,000 police personnel by the Nigeria Police, ensuring that a minimum of four police personnel are stationed in every polling unit in line with global best practices. We further applaud the deployment of 22,600 personnel across Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. We call on other sister security agencies to massively deploy their personnel at the polls to checkmate violence, especially in flashpoints and high-risk local government areas of Nembe, Brass, Southern Ijaw, and Ogbia, and all forms of vote-buying that may impede the credibility of the poll. We urge security agencies to ensure the inclusivity of females in their deployment plans and strategy, with a monitoring mechanism in place for deployed security personnel at the polling units to be identified by their name tags and demonstrate non-partisanship in the discharge of their responsibilities, abiding by the revised code of conduct and rules of engagement for security personnel on election duty.
ii. INEC Logistical Arrangements to Aid Priority Voting for Vulnerable Groups:
We expect the early deployment of sensitive and non-sensitive election materials at the polling units, as well as poll officials at the commencement of polls. This will help promote confidence in the system and improve the credibility of the poll. We have observed that the Independent National Electoral Commission has religiously followed its set timetable & schedule of activities, sequel to the elections, in consonance with the dictates of the Electoral Act. We are delighted that the Election Management Body is abiding by her 2018 framework on access and participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral process and the provisions of the Disability Act of 2019 by mainstreaming persons with disabilities as Adhoc polling staff. We hope that the Independent National Electoral Commission complies with the aforementioned frameworks towards ensuring the effective and seamless participation of 880 registered persons with disabilities in the elections. We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the provision of magnifying glasses for persons with low vision & albinism, braille for persons with visual impairment, and providing priority voting for persons with disabilities, nursing mothers, pregnant women, the aged/elderly, and other vulnerable groups at the polls.
iii. High Turnout of Female Voters:
We expect that an increase in registered female voters will translate to more voters, especially women and persons with disabilities, participating at the polls. The state has a record of above-average turnout of voters in previous elections, except for 2015, where it had a low turnout of about 35.15%. From INEC records, about 490,707 females, amounting to 46% of the voting population, registered for the 2023 Governorship Elections, demonstrating an increase in female voters compared to 2019 with 424,392 registered female voters. We recall that at the 2019 gubernatorial elections, 54.83% of the total voting population exercised their franchise. We expect that due to increased voter awareness and continuous voter registration, more women will participate actively, leading to an increased female voter turnout at the polls.
iv. Functionality of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System:
We observed the success of the mock accreditation system on the 14th of October 2023 to test the functionality of the BVAS in nine polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state and subsequent upload of the results to the upgraded INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV). We hope that the system is well-configured towards aiding the accreditation and voting process at the polls. FIDA Nigeria, through her field observers, will critically observe the functionality of this machine across the 2,244 polling units in the state.
4.0. Recommendations/Conclusions
In light of the foregoing, key actors in the electoral processes, particularly INEC, political parties, security agencies, mass media, and Civil Society Organisations, need to pay increasing attention to factors limiting women’s participation ahead of the Governorship Election. As such, the following recommendations are considered pertinent:
• Deployment of Electoral materials (Sensitive and non-sensitive) across all Registration Area Centers and polling units timeously is key for an improved political participatory process for women.
• Effective collaboration and synergy with other stakeholders, especially INEC, Security agencies, and Election Observation Groups, should be cultivated and sustained.
• Security agencies should continually adhere to the principles of impartiality and neutrality toward securing the polls, which will help in mitigating electoral violence, especially those perpetuated against women in elections.
5.0. Conclusion
FIDA Nigeria calls on women, persons with disabilities, and the good people of Bayelsa State to exercise their franchise at the polls peacefully and resist any form of vote inducement and to shun all forms of electoral violence. Political parties are also enjoined to conduct themselves creditably to promote a peaceful process.
May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria Unveils Roadmap to Bayelsa State 2023 Off-Cycle Gubernatorial Elections
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, through its intervention titled “Enhancing Women and Women with Disabilities Participation & Representation in the Political Process & Governance,” supported by the Canada Funds for Local Initiative (CFLI), will commence a series of activities as a buildup to the Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Elections scheduled for November 11th, 2023. These activities are geared towards ensuring effective observation of the political process while synergizing with stakeholders in creating a gender-responsive and protective environment that promotes inclusivity and participation of women and other vulnerable groups in the political process.
Below are the key activities heralding the Gubernatorial Elections:
• Monday, 6th November 2023: A virtual demonstration of FIDA Nigeria’s observation tool to be deployed at the November 11th, 2023 Governorship Elections to relevant stakeholders at 3 pm Nigeria time.
• Tuesday, 7th November 2023: Stakeholders Engagement with civil society groups in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
• Wednesday, 8th November 2023: Capacity-building workshop for Women Election Observers in observing, documenting, and reporting women’s political participation in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
• Thursday, 9th November 2023: Dissemination of FIDA Nigeria’s Pre-Election Statement on the preparedness of the Election Management Body (INEC) and Security agencies in enabling women’s political participation.
• Friday, 10th November 2023: Refresher training for Election Data analysts and incident reporters.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Opening of the FIDA Nigeria Election Data Analytical Centre at 7.30 am in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Dissemination of interim findings/statement from the elections by 12 noon.
• Saturday, 11th November 2023: Dissemination of preliminary findings/statement from the elections by 5 PM.
• Monday, 13th November 2023: Dissemination of post-election statement by noon.
Citizens are enjoined to participate in our activities, which will be amplified via our social media handles, as we envisage a safe environment for women’s participation in the electoral process.
May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Amina Agbaje (Mrs)
Country Vice President/National President
International Day of the Girl-Child 2023 “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”
“When girls are given the opportunity to thrive, not only do their lives change but so do their communities”
FIDA Nigeria solemnly reflects on the theme of the 2023 International Day of the Girl-Child, “Invest in Girls’ Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”. This resonates profoundly as it underscores the harsh realities faced by too many girls globally. It is a stark reminder of the countless girls who grapple with daily violations of their rights worldwide, stifled leadership potentials, and extremely precarious well-being. Overt discrimination, violence, exploitation, still persists, robbing them of the chance to blossom into their full potential. In a world which is meant to nurture their dreams and aspirations, countless girls instead suffer in silence, their pleas for help often going unheard and unanswered.
In Nigeria, safeguarding the rights of the girl-child remains an uphill battle. Despite existing laws aimed at protecting these rights, numerous girls still face countless barriers such as lack of access to education, early and forced marriages, gender discrimination, and indeed abuse and heightened violence in various forms. The gap between legislative promise and stark reality continues to widen, casting a dark shadow over the futures of these vulnerable young lives.
Sadly, as the call for increased access to education and other opportunities for the girl-child is reaching a crescendo, there has been relentless attacks on the future of the girl-child through series of abductions and kidnappings. These have become rife and somewhat of a daily occurrence. Just recently, on the 22nd of September 2023, a large number of armed bandits invaded the hotels of undergraduates of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara state and abducted an unspecified number of female students! Such ugly and disastrous occurrences have become one too many.
How do we advocate for the future of the girl-child and the need for qualitative education so she can fully achieve her potential, meanwhile barbarians masquerading under the garb of terror, continue to shatter these dreams and obliterate the future of these girls via unchallenged kidnappings carried out with impunity at schools and institutions of learning across the Nation.
This cannot be allowed to continue!
An investment in the girl-child has tremendous impact on any society, as an empowered and educated woman has the power to educate the whole family and indeed change the trajectory of nation-building! Success stories of Nigerian girls who were invested into, with respect to education and given the right enabling environment to positively impact their generation, abound. Girls like 13-year-old Nigerian-born Emmanuella Mayaki who was the youngest person to be accepted into a university in the United States of America having achieved excellent proficiency in Microsoft programs at age 7, or 16-year-old Esther Okade, a Nigerian-British genius who bagged her Ph.D. in Financial mathematics and had enrolled into a UK university at age 10, and Folafoluwa Oginni who won best student in WAEC at age 17 and became British University’s first Nigerian Valedictorian. These few examples are a clear testament to the tremendous potential embedded in the girl-child if properly harnessed. These girls grow up to become women like Hon. Justice Aloma Muktar. JSC (first female Chief Justice of Nigeria), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General of the World Trade Centre), Amina Mohammed (Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations) to mention but a few.
FIDA Nigeria is making this urgent CALL TO ACTION for increased protection of the girl-child and calls on the Federal Government, all Security and Law Enforcement Bodies to confront head-on, the hydra headed scourge of terror, impoverishment, marginalization and disenfranchisement facing the girl-child. Government must lead the charge and move beyond rhetoric and speeches or half-hearted commitments and begin to take BOLD AND DICISIVE ACTIONS that will bring about needed changes. Civil Society organizations, Public and Private sectors, stakeholders and in truth all well-meaning individuals need to lend their voices to bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality.
FIDA Nigeria will continue to be a voice for the voiceless and stand as a beacon of hope for every girl. Despite formidable challenges, we remain resolute in our commitment to protect, promote and preserve the rights women and children. We shall continue to navigate legal complexities towards seeking redress and restitution for those who have suffered in silence as we envisage a world where the girl-child is an agent of change, free from terror and discrimination and allowed to soar to her fullest potential!
Together we must ensure that the girl-child enjoys the rights, leadership opportunities, and overall well-being that she rightfully deserves.
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria
#Internationaldayofthegirlchild2023
#11thOctober
#Empowerthegirlchild
#protectthegirlchild
#genderparity
FIDA Nigeria Leads Workshop Against SGBV and CEFM in Southern Nigeria
FIDA Nigeria organized a dynamic Capacity Building Workshop that united 25 impassioned Community Representatives from Delta, Bayelsa, and Edo States in Southern Nigeria.
This workshop wasn’t just a gathering—it was a catalyst for rapid, effective action against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and the scourge of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM). The focus? Crafting seamless, tried-and-true referral pathways that deliver unwavering support to survivors.
It was a day of empowerment, where Community Paralegals were armed with the tools, skills, and knowledge to confidently tackle issues of SGBV and CEFM, harnessing established referral networks. And it didn’t stop there. This gathering sought to bolster the capabilities of these paralegals, fortifying their ability to construct transparent pathways, ensuring swift and all-encompassing aid for victims and survivors of SGBV and CEFM, who have faced unspeakable violations of their rights.
The driving force behind this monumental event? A collaboration between the indomitable Palladium and FIDA Nigeria, fueled by the unwavering support of the USAID-funded SCALE project.
Empowering Community Leaders to Combat Violence Against Women in Elections: FIDA Nigeria’s Workshop in Bayelsa State
In a significant stride towards fostering gender equality and amplifying women’s voices in the electoral process, FIDA Nigeria, in collaboration with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), organized a One-Day Capacity Building Workshop for Community Leaders. The event, held in Bayelsa State, was specifically designed to address the pressing issue of Violence against Women in Elections.
The primary aim of this workshop was to equip community leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and combat factors contributing to violence against women during electoral processes. By nurturing a comprehensive understanding of these critical issues, participants were empowered to proactively safeguard the rights and safety of women in the upcoming November 11, 2023 off-cycle Governorship Election.
Central to the workshop’s agenda was the establishment of robust referral channels between communities and prominent security agencies. This strategic move is poised to revolutionize the response mechanism for incidents of violence against women, ensuring swift action and a safer environment for female participants in the political arena.
Moreover, the initiative aspires to fortify a resilient community protection framework, with a special emphasis on indigenous women and other vulnerable populations in Bayelsa State. By prioritizing inclusivity and equal representation, this endeavor seeks to create an environment where every voice is heard and valued.
FIDA Nigeria extends heartfelt gratitude to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives for their generous support, which has played a pivotal role in transforming this vision into a tangible reality. The CFLI’s commitment to championing the cause of women’s rights on an international scale exemplifies the profound impact that collaborative efforts can have in dismantling barriers and fostering a more inclusive society.
As the echoes of this workshop reverberate through Bayelsa State, it is anticipated that the knowledge and empowerment gained by community leaders will be instrumental in paving the way for a more equitable and just electoral process. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of collective action in effecting positive change and advancing the cause of gender equality.
Sexual Harassment of Female Students as an insidious form of Gender-Based Violence MUST be STOPPED!!!
FIDA Nigeria strongly condemns in its entirety and in the strongest terms possible, all forms of gender-based violence against women, particularly those against female students in secondary and tertiary institutions by staff of the institutions, such as teachers and lecturers. In this vein, FIDA Nigeria totally condemns the alleged sexual harassment of female students by the embattled Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Osim Ndifon as reported recently in various news platforms.
We vehemently denounce these acts as vile and an ugly menace that must be eradicated from our institutions of learning, and our society at large. Students are in school to be educated and must be guided and protected while learning, not to be intimidated and taken advantage of because of their vulnerability and/or gender.
It is alarming that sexual harassment of females particularly in tertiary institutions has assumed a perilously critical dimension, constituting a horrifying kind of violence targeted at violating the fundamental human rights of a person. It is a form of sexual victimization of an individual using unequal power relations. This pandemic is so vile and encompasses acts revolving around explicit or implicit sexual overtures including unwelcome sexual remarks or physical advances, and inappropriate promises of reward in exchange for sexual favours in the workplace, professional or social setting amongst others.
These acts have been criminalized by the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015 and indeed, the extant VAPP Law of Cross Rivers State. Being that the state and all persons of goodwill are under a duty to give effect to these statutory provisions against all forms of violence, including desisting from aiding and/or abetting of same in any manner or to any degree, FIDA Nigeria therefore unequivocally condemns the alleged intimidation of some of the students who bravely spoke up on the alleged Ndifon’s case, currently under investigation.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr. Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, by her professional calling and the expectations of her ministerial office, owes a duty of leading the charge towards protecting women from all acts of abuse, including encouraging and supporting victims of sexual and gender-based violence to break the culture of silence and get justice, hence the alleged distasteful manner in which she interrogated the vulnerable and possibly traumatized students is shocking and greatly disappointing
FIDA Nigeria is keenly observing, and shall not hesitate to proceed against such perpetrators, and all persons or individuals who support such acts of violence either by their utterances or actions/ inaction, or who may try to suppress the reportage of these sort of violence meted out to persons. We remain steadfast on our mandate to protect, promote, and preserve the rights of vulnerable women and children using the instrumentality of law, strongly supporting and standing behind all survivors of violence of any kind, including those of sexual harassment and all forms of gender-based violence, and encouraging them to speak up on these crimes as their voices are meant to be heard, and justice delivered for the crimes perpetrated against them.
In conclusion, as the probe panel constituted to further investigate all facets of this case against the embattled Dean Prof C. Ndifon continue in their task, FIDA Nigeria is closely monitoring the proceedings and shall not stand by and watch perpetrators and supporters of these heinous crimes whether highly placed or not, harass, cower, intimidate, badger, suppress and or attempt to wriggle their way out of facing justice and shall follow this matter intently to ensure that justice is gotten at the end of the day, as no one is above the law.
Therefore, we call on the Government, NAPTIP, Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and indeed everyone to stand up against this scourge that has slowly crept into the fabric of our nation and ensure that all forms of violence in whatever form it presents itself is stopped!!
We also call on all Students to Stand Tall and Speak their Truth!
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje, (Mrs.)
Country Vice President/National President
FIDA Nigeria